49ers-Broncos: What to watch for

Quarterbacks – The 49ers secondary has a bevy of interceptions in training camp, which is a positive. However, since 49ers’ quarterbacks are throwing those passes, that’s the negative. Quarterback play needs to improve, and that’s what everyone should be looking for today and that includes quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

At times, Kaepernick and the other quarterbacks struggle throwing easier passes, such as passes to the flat.

As I wrote earlier in the week, it would also be assuring to see Kaepernick stand in the pocket and run through his progressions, something he didn’t have a chance to do in Baltimore. Also, the entire organization will examine backup Blaine Gabbert closely, hoping he can prove he is worth his guaranteed $2 million contract.

Secondary – The team is suddenly stacked with cornerbacks, even with the retirement of Eric Wright before training camp. Behind starters Tramaine Brock and Chris Culliver, it’s a free-for-all with veterans Perrish Cox and Chris Cook fending off youngsters Dontae Johnson, Kenneth Acker and Darryl Morris. Acker was fairly quiet in training camp until he picked off two passes in Thursday’s practice and looked like he shot out of a cannon on the second one.

Defensive Line – Lawrence Okoye will be someone to watch. He has limped around all week on a sprained ankle and did not look to be fully recovered in pregame warmup. The line was pushed around last week and that might again happen today with Justin Smith and Ian Williams not dressing.